Exercise Apparatus with Hooks for Attaching Resistance Bands

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to an exercise apparatus with a plurality of hooks for attaching resistance bands and a method for manufacturing the exercise apparatus.

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/324,577 filed on Apr. 15, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to exercise apparatuses and methods for manufacturing exercise apparatuses for use with resistance bands.

BACKGROUND

Exercise machines can be used to maintain personal fitness, build strength, and rehabilitate injuries. Exercise machines have gained popularity over free weights due to improved ease of use. Unfortunately, many exercise machines are large, expensive, and dedicated to a single body movement. Also, they often require routine maintenance and servicing. For instance, many exercise machines contain moving parts such as slides, pulleys, cables, and bearings which may require lubrication and eventual replacement.

SUMMARY

Strength training uses resistance methods like weight machines, free weights, resistance bands, or a person's own weight to develop muscles and strength. Free weights, including dumbbells and barbells, are prevalent in gyms around the world. However, many individuals prefer the simplicity of exercise machines. Since their introduction, exercise machines have gained popularity as an alternative to barbells and dumbbells. Many individuals find them more user-friendly and safer to use than free weights.

Exercise machines commonly have stacks of incremented weight plates. The individual can adjust the exercise machine to a desired resistant by repositioning a key within the weight stack. As a result, adjusting the level of resistance may be quite easy. This technology came as a welcomed alternative to manually loading heavy barbells from a weight rack onto a bar. With the advent of exercise machines, the appeal of strength training broadened as more individuals felt an increased comfort level with exercise equipment.

Unfortunately, exercise machines are often large, heavy, and expensive. In addition, exercise machines are often designed to perform only a single movement targeting a specific muscle or muscle group. Consequently, a large variety of exercise machines must be purchased to target all muscles and muscle groups. Since each machine occupies significant floor space, a gymnasium must contain considerable square footage to accommodate all necessary exercise machines. As a result, a gym owner must rent or purchase a large facility which results in high operating expenses. In turn, the gym owner must maintain a large number of members to produce enough revenue to cover operating expenses. But securing a large facility and maintaining a large membership population may not be feasible in all areas. For instance, in many urban areas, large facilities may be unavailable or prohibitively priced.

Another downside of exercise machines is that many require routine maintenance and servicing. For instance, many exercise machines include moving parts such as slides, pulleys, cables and bearings which require lubrication and eventual replacement. Servicing and replacing worn parts results in additional operating expenses. Clearly, exercise machines have many disadvantages that restrict a gym's profitability. To overcome the disadvantages of prior exercise machines, a new, versatile, low-maintenance, compact and affordable exercise apparatus has been designed and is set forth herein.

An exercise apparatus may include a first upright member, a second upright member, a first cross member connecting the first upright member to the second upright member, a first plurality of hooks attached to the first upright member, and a second plurality of hooks attached to the second upright member. The first plurality of hooks may be configured to receive a resistance band, and the second plurality of hooks may be configured to receive a resistance band. Also, the first cross member may include a third plurality of hooks that may be configured to receive a resistance band, and the first cross member may be, or include, a pull-up bar. In addition, a second cross member may connect the first upright member to the second upright member, and the second cross member may include a fourth plurality of hooks configured to store a resistance band. A step member may connect the first upright member to the second upright member, and the step member may be rotatably connected to the first and second upright members. The step member may include a non-slip surface. Finally, the apparatus may include a first handle attached to the first upright member and a second handle attached to the second upright member. The first and second handles may be treated with an anti-bacterial chemical compound. Similarly, other surfaces of the exercise apparatus may be treated with an anti-bacterial chemical compound.

A method of assembling an exercise apparatus may include providing a first upright member, providing a second upright member, providing a first cross member including a first end and a second end, connecting the first end of the first cross member to the first upright member, connecting the second end of the first cross member to the second upright member, attaching a first plurality of hooks to the first upright member, and attaching a second plurality of hooks to the second upright member. The first plurality of hooks may be configured to receive a resistance band, and the second plurality of hooks may be configured to receive a resistance band. The method may also include attaching the first upright member to a wall and attaching the second upright member to the wall. In addition, the method may include attaching a third plurality of hooks to the first cross member where the first cross member may be, or include, a pull-up bar. Similar to the first and second plurality of hooks, the third plurality of hooks may be configured to receive a resistance band. The method may also include providing a second cross member having a first end and a second end, connecting the first end of the second cross member to the first upright member, and connecting the second end of the second cross member to the second upright member. In addition, the method may include attaching a fourth plurality of hooks to the second cross member where the fourth plurality of hooks may be configured to store a resistance band. The method may also include providing a step member having a first end and a second end, rotatably connecting the first end of the step member to the first upright member, and rotatably connecting the second end of the step member to the second upright member. In addition, the method may include attaching a non-slip surface to the step member. Finally, the method may include attaching a first handle to the first upright member and attaching a second handle to the second upright member. The handles may be treated with an anti-bacterial chemical compound.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exercise apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pull-up bar and a bracket system.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first cross member and a pull-up bar.

FIG. 6 is a hook and a hook base.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an upright member.

FIG. 8 is an example resistance band attached to a hook.

FIG. 9 is an example resistance band attached to a hook.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second cross member.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a second cross member.

FIG. 12 is a side view of an exercise apparatus with a step in a downward position.

FIG. 13 is a side view of an exercise apparatus with a step in an upward position.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a bottom bracket.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a step member and a non-slip surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1, an exercise apparatus 100 may include a first upright member 105, a second upright member 110, a first cross member 115 connecting the first upright member 105 to the second upright member 110, a first plurality of hooks 120 attached to the first upright member 105, and a second plurality of hooks 125 attached to the second upright member 110. The first plurality of hooks 120 may be configured to receive one or more resistance bands, and the second plurality of hooks 125 may be configured to receive one or more resistance bands.

The first upright member 105 may have a top end 710 and a bottom end 715 and may be constructed from steel channel or box tubing as shown in FIG. 7. Alternately, the first upright member 105 may be constructed from aluminum, wood, carbon fiber, or any other suitable material having any suitable configuration (e.g. channel, round tubing, box tubing, rod, etc.). Similarly, an outer surface of the first upright member 105 may be treated to improve appearance and durability. For instance, the outer surface may be painted, anodized, polished, plated, or have any other suitable surface treatment applied. To secure the exercise apparatus 100, the first upright member 105 may include a first mounting bracket (not shown) to facilitate attachment to a wall surface. Alternately, any suitable means of attaching the first upright member 105 to the wall surface may be used, including bolts, screws, clamps, cables, etc.

The second upright member 110 be substantially parallel to the first upright member 105 and may also have a top end and a bottom end. The second upright member 110 may be constructed from steel channel or box tubing. Alternately, the second upright member 110 may be constructed from aluminum, wood, carbon fiber, or any other suitable material having any suitable configuration (e.g. channel, round tubing, box tubing, rod, etc.). Similarly, an outer surface of the first upright member 105 may be treated to improve appearance and durability. For instance, the outer surface may be painted, anodized, polished, plated, or have any other suitable surface treatment applied. To secure the exercise apparatus 100, the second upright member 105 may include a second mounting bracket (not shown) to facilitate attachment to the wall surface. Alternately, any suitable means of attaching the second upright member 110 to the wall surface may be used, including bolts, screws, clamps, cables, etc.

The first cross member 115 may connect the first upright member 105 to the second upright member 110. The first cross member 115 may have a first end and a second end. The first end may connect at or near the top end of the first upright member 105 and the second end may connect at or near the top end of the second upright member 110. In addition, the first cross member 115 may extend beyond a plane that includes the first and second upright members. For instance, the first cross member may be U-shaped as shown in FIG. 1. The first cross member 115 may be fastened to the first and second upright members by any suitable means. For instance, the first cross member may be welded, bolted, riveted, clamped, or screwed to the first and second upright members. Accordingly, the first cross member may be permanently attached to the first and second upright members, or it may be removable. As shown in FIG. 2, the first cross member may be connected to the first and second upright members using corner brackets 205 and threaded fasteners. The first cross member may be constructed from steel channel or box tubing. Alternately, the first cross member 115 may be constructed from aluminum, wood, carbon fiber, or any other suitable material having any suitable configuration (e.g. channel, round tubing, box tubing, rod, etc.). Similarly, an outer surface of the first cross member 115 may be treated to improve appearance and durability. For instance, the outer surface may be painted, anodized, polished, plated, or have any other suitable surface treatment applied. To secure the exercise apparatus 100, the first cross member 115 may include a bracket to facilitate attachment to the wall surface. Alternately, any suitable means of attaching the first cross member 115 to the wall surface may be used, including bolts, screws, clamps, cables, etc.

The first cross member 115 may be, or include, a pull-up bar. For instance, the first cross member 115 may be a pull-up bar joining the first upright member 105 to the second upright member 110. Alternately, the first cross member may include a separate pull-up bar 305 as shown in FIG. 3. The pull-up bar 305 may be attached to the first cross member 115 by a bracket system shown in FIG. 4. The bracket system may include a front bracket 405 and a rear bracket 410. The front and rear brackets may be positioned on front and rear sides of the bar and clamped together with cap screws 415. The pull-up bar may include flat surfaces 430 where it mates with the bracket system to prevent rotation of the pull-up bar 305 during use. The bracket system may be joined to the first cross member 115 by a support member 425. As shown in FIG. 5, the support member 425 may be joined to the first cross member 115 by a threaded fastener 505. In addition, a channel bracket 510 and a backing plate 515 may be used to reinforce the connection. Alternately, any suitable fastener or means of connecting the members may be used.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pull-up bar may include two wide grip handles 310 to improve grip during use. In addition, the pull-up bar may include two close grip handles 315 positioned normal to the pull-up bar. As shown in FIG. 4, the close grip handles 315 may be attached to the front bracket 405. For instance, the close grip handles 315 may be threaded into the front bracket 405. Alternately, any suitable fastener or means of connecting the close grip handles 315 to the front bracket 405 may be used. The handles (e.g. 310, 315) may be constructed from rubber, polymer, knurled metal or any other suitable material.

A first plurality of hooks 120 may be attached to the first upright member 105. The first plurality of hooks may include two or more hooks configured to receive one or more resistance bands (e.g. 800, 900). The first plurality of hooks 120 may be attached to the first upright member 105 by any suitable means. For example, the first plurality of hooks 120 may be welded or threaded into the first upright member 105. Alternately, a hook 605 may be joined to an intermediary to facilitate a connection to the first upright member 105. For instance, as shown in FIG. 6, a hook 605 may include threads 630 that may permit threading into a hook base 610. The hook base 610 may then fasten to the first upright member 105 using a nut 705 as shown in FIG. 7. To enable this type of connection, a hole may be bored into a rear surface of the first upright member 105 to permit access by a socket wrench. The socket wrench may hold the nut 705 while the hook 605 and hook base 610 are threaded into position.

The first plurality of hooks 120 may be configured to receive one or more resistance bands as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The resistance band 800 may include a stretchable band 810, a first handle 805 attached to a first end of the stretchable band 810, and an end loop 815 attached to a second end of the stretchable band 810. The end loop 815 may be connected to the hook 605 simply by sliding the end loop 815 over a first end 820 of the hook 605. To facilitate receipt of a resistance band, the hook 605 may include a first portion 615, a second portion 620 substantially normal to the first portion 615, and a third portion 625 substantially parallel to the first portion 610, as shown in FIG. 6. Alternately, any suitable hook may be used. For instance, a hook having an arcuate shape may be used. The hook shown in FIG. 6 may allow retention of the end loop 815 even when upward force is applied to the handle 805 of the resistance band. For example, upward force may be exerted on the hook 605 when an individual attaches a resistance band to a hook located near the bottom end of the first upright member 105 and performs bicep curls. Another resistance band 900 may include a stretchable band 810, a handle 805 attached to a first end of the stretchable band 810, and a second handle 905 attached to a second end of the stretchable band 810. In this configuration, the resistance band 900 may be attached to the hook 605 by looping the stretchable band 810 over the end 820 of the hook 605. Any other suitable method of attaching a resistance band to the hook 605 may be used. For instance, a handle (e.g. 805, 905) of the resistance band may be attached to the hook 605.

A second plurality of hooks 125 may be attached to the second upright member 110. The second plurality of hooks may include two or more hooks configured to receive one or more resistance bands (e.g. 800, 900). The second plurality of hooks 125 may be attached to the second upright member 110 by any suitable means. For example, the second plurality of hooks 125 may be welded or threaded into the second upright member 110. Alternately, a hook 605 may be joined to an intermediary to facilitate a connection to the second upright member 110. For instance, as shown in FIG. 6, a hook 605 may be threaded into a hook base 610. The hook base 610 may then fasten to the second upright member 110 using a nut 705. To enable this type of connection, a hole may be bored into a rear surface of the second upright member 110 to permit access by a socket wrench. The socket wrench may hold the nut 705 while the hook 605 and hook base 610 are threaded into position.

A third plurality of hooks 320 may be attached to the first cross member 115. The third plurality of hooks 320 may include two or more hooks configured to receive one or more resistance bands (e.g. 800, 900). The third plurality of hooks 320 may be attached to the first cross member 115 by any suitable means. For example, the third plurality of hooks 320 may be welded or threaded into the first cross member 115. Accordingly, the third plurality of hooks 320 may be attached directly to the first cross member 115 or to one of its components. For instance, the third plurality of hooks 320 may be attached to the support bar 425, pull-up bar 305, or the bracket system. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the third plurality of hooks 320 may be threaded into the front bracket 405.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a second cross member 140 may connect the first upright member 105 to the second upright member 110. The second cross member 140 may be fastened to the first and second upright members by any suitable means. For instance, the second cross member 140 may be welded, bolted, riveted, clamped, or screwed to the first and second upright members. Accordingly, the second cross member 140 may be permanently attached to the first and second upright members, or it may be removable. As shown in FIG. 10, the second cross member 140 may be connected to the first and second upright members (105, 110) using brackets 1005 and threaded fasteners. The second cross member 140 may be constructed from steel channel or box tubing. Alternately, the second cross member 140 may be constructed from aluminum, wood, carbon fiber, or any other suitable material having any suitable configuration (e.g. channel, round tubing, box tubing, rod, etc.). Similarly, an outer surface of the second cross member 140 may be treated to improve appearance and durability. For instance, the outer surface may be painted, anodized, polished, plated, or have any other suitable surface treatment applied. To secure the exercise apparatus 100, the second cross member 140 may include a bracket to facilitate attachment to the wall surface. Alternately, any suitable means of attaching the second cross member 140 to the wall surface may be used, including bolts, screws, clamps, cables, etc.

A fourth plurality of hooks 1010 may be attached to the second cross member 140. The fourth plurality of hooks 1010 may include two or more hooks configured to receive one or more resistance bands (e.g. 800, 900). In particular, the fourth plurality of hooks 1010 may be configured to store one or more resistance bands. To facilitate storage of one or more resistance bands, a hook 605 may include an elongated first portion 615. During storage, a resistance band may be hung on the hook 605 or wound around multiple hooks. The fourth plurality of hooks 1010 may be attached to the second cross member 140 by any suitable means. For example, the fourth plurality of hooks 1010 may be welded or threaded into the second cross member 140. Alternately, a hook 1105 may be joined to an intermediary to facilitate a connection to the second cross member 140. For instance, as shown in FIG. 11, the hook 1105 may be threaded into a hook base 1110. The hook base 1110 may then fasten to the second cross member 140 using a nut 1115. To enable this type of connection, a hole may be bored into a rear surface of the second cross member 140 to permit access by a socket wrench. The socket wrench may hold the nut 1115 while the hook 1105 and hook base 1110 are threaded into position.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a step member 135 may connect the first upright member 105 to the second upright member 110. The step member 135 may be fastened to the first and second upright members by any suitable means. For instance, the step member 135 may be welded, bolted, riveted, clamped, or screwed to the first and second upright members (105, 110). The step member 135 may be extendably connected to the first and second upright members. For instance, the step member 135 may extend and retract on a set of slides. The step member 135 may include one or more sections that telescope inwardly or outwardly. Alternately, the step member 135 may be rotatably connected to the first and second upright members. For example, the step member 135 may rotate from a downward position as shown in FIG. 12 to an upward position as shown in FIG. 13. In this way, the step member 135 may allow for a more compact exercise apparatus 100. Also, by incorporating a folding step member, the step member 135 permits additional exercise options for the individual user.

As shown in FIG. 13, the step member 135 may be connected to the first and second upright members (105, 110) by a set of bottom brackets 1305. The bottom bracket 1305, which is shown in FIG. 14, may contain a rubber bumper 1405 and a through hole 1410 configured to receive a shoulder bolt 145 (shown in FIG. 2). The step member 135, which is shown in FIG. 15, may also contain a through hole 1520 configured to receive the shoulder bolt 145. Upon assembly, the shoulder bolt 145 may pass through both through holes (e.g. 1410 and 1520), thereby permitting the step member 135 to rotate. Although only the rotating connection corresponding to the second upright member 110 is described, it should be understood that a rotating connection corresponding to the first upright member 105 can be similar. Alternately, any suitable rotating connections may be used.

To increase safety during use, the step member 135 may include a non-slip surface attached to an upwardly exposed surface of the step member. The non-slip surface may be any suitable high-friction coating such as rubber, sand, or a combination thereof. Alternately, the non-slip surface may be machined directly into the surface of the step member 135. The non-slip surface may comprise an additional component attached to the step member 135. For example, the non-slip surface may include a cover 1505, as shown in FIG. 15. The cover may include a top portion 1505 and a bottom portion 1510 connected with fasteners 1515. The top portion 1505 may include a high-friction pattern to increase grip.

As shown in FIG. 3, the exercise apparatus 100 may include a first handle 325 attached to the first upright member 105 and a second handle 330 attached to a second upright member 110. The handles (325, 330) may be oriented in any suitable direction. For instance, the handles (325, 330) may be positioned in a vertical orientation as shown in FIG. 3, a horizontal orientation, or an offset orientation. For instance, the handles (325, 330) may be rotated 45 degrees to improve user comfort. To improve cleanliness of the exercise apparatus 100, the handles (e.g. 325, 330) may be treated with an anti-bacterial chemical compound. For instance, MICROBAN may be applied or incorporated directly into the handle material. Similarly, other surfaces on the exercise apparatus 100, such as the pull-up bar, the close grip handles 315, and the step member 135, may be treated with an anti-bacterial chemical compound.

The exercise apparatus 100 may be sold as a kit for assembly. For instance, the exercise apparatus 100 may be delivered in one or more boxes to the consumer. The consumer may then assemble the various pieces to create the exercise apparatus 100 as shown and described herein.

Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. Although a number of embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should also be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. 

1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a first upright member comprising a top end opposite a bottom end; a second upright member comprising a top end opposite a bottom end, wherein the second upright member is substantially parallel to the first upright member; a first cross member connecting the top end of the first upright member to the top end of the second upright member, wherein the first cross member extends beyond a plane including the first and second upright members; a step member connecting the first upright member to the second upright member; a first plurality of hooks attached to the first upright member; and a second plurality of hooks attached to the second upright member.
 2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the step member is rotatably connected to the first and second upright members.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the step member is extendably connected to the first and second upright members.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an upwardly exposed surface on the step member; and a non-slip surface affixed to the upwardly exposed surface.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cross member further comprises a pull-up bar.
 6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third plurality of hooks attached to the first cross member.
 7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second cross member connecting the first upright member to the second upright member, wherein the second cross member is located in the plane including the first and second upright members.
 8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a fourth plurality of hooks attached to the second cross member.
 9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first mounting bracket attached to the first upright member; and a second mounting bracket attached to the second upright member.
 10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first handle attached to the first upright member; and a second handle attached to the second upright member.
 11. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first and second handles are treated with an anti-bacterial chemical compound.
 12. A method of manufacturing an exercise apparatus, the method comprising: providing a first upright member comprising a top end opposite a bottom end; providing a second upright member comprising a top end opposite a bottom end, wherein the second upright member is substantially parallel to the first upright member; providing a first cross member comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first cross member extends beyond a plane including the first and second upright members; connecting the first end of the first cross member to the top end of the first upright member; connecting the second end of the first cross member to the top end of second upright member; providing a step member comprising a first end and a second end; connecting the first end of the step member to the first upright member; connecting the second end of the step member to the second upright member; attaching a first plurality of hooks to the first upright member; and attaching a second plurality of hooks to the second upright member.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising affixing a non-slip surface to an upwardly exposed surface on the step member.
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising attaching a third plurality of hooks to the first cross member.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: providing a second cross member comprising a first end opposite a second end, wherein the second cross member is located in the plane including the first and second upright members; connecting the first end of the second cross member to the first upright member; and connecting the second end of the second cross member to the second upright member.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising attaching a fourth plurality of hooks to the second cross member.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: attaching a first mounting bracket to the first upright member, wherein the first mounting bracket facilitates attachment to a wall surface; and attaching a second mounting bracket to the second upright member, wherein the second mounting bracket facilitates attachment to a wall surface
 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: attaching a first handle to the first upright member; and attaching a second handle to the second upright member. 